talkhealth forums

I work a five-day week, but for a while I've been working up the courage to ask my boss for a four-day week. I know I'd be happier with a three-day weekend and would probably be more rested and more efficient when I'm at work - and therefore able to fit my week's work into four days. However, my bos
s might then think I've been taking it easy over my five days. Any advice, please?

Hi,

Before you go and see your boss do your homework. A quick google search throws up lots of pros and cons of the 3/4 day working week so go armed with some statistics if this is what you want to do. Offer a solution and anticipate the arguments such as putting more pressure on the rest of the team etc. Maybe also see if working from home is possible obviously depending on your type of work as your boss might see this as a partial solution as is the concept of flexible working?

If what you really want is to work part-time rather than longer hours over fewer days then again be very clear about what you want and if this firm doesn't offer it you might need to be creative for example a job share?

I do wish you well and hope you find the courage and a solution you are happy with.

Hi

Thank you for sharing your desire to improve your own wellbeing and having less stress in your life by having a shorter work week.

Self care is important to remain productive as well as having maintaining physical and mental wellbeing and it is great that you are taking steps to manage it.

Please read my blogs for further tips to maintain work/life balance:
https://www.livingwithfinesse.com/teyho ... e-balance/
and
https://www.livingwithfinesse.com/teyho ... g-fatigue/

Thank you